Prostate cancer ranks fifth among the causes of death for men over age 45. After lung cancer, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among all men in the United States; for Australian men, it is the second most common cancer after non-melanoma skin cancers.[1] The risk of being diagnosed with prostate cancer by the age of 85 is 1 in 5.[2]

Experts do not know how to prevent prostate cancer, nor do they know how a man gets this cancer. While early detection can ensure wider options for treatment and higher rates of remission following treatment,[3] signs and symptoms of prostate cancer generally don't show until the cancer is more advanced, and as such, getting early screening checks can be important. The following article will help you recognize certain symptoms of prostate cancer if they appear, as well as increasing your awareness of the role of testing for prostate cancer.

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Steps

1

Understand what prostate cancer is. The prostate gland is located beneath a man's bladder and surrounds the upper part of the urethra.[4] Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor of the prostate. Generally it is slow growing and early prostate cancer often shows no symptoms.[5] It can occur in two forms:[6]

Early prostate cancer: This is also known as localized prostate cancer. The cancer is contained within the prostate, and can even be present for years without causing any problems

Advanced prostate cancer: At this stage, the cancer has spread beyond the prostate and has entered other parts of the body and tissues. Prostate cancer can spread to lymph nodes in the pelvis and to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, such as the lungs and bones.

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2

Know if you're at risk. While all men are at risk for prostate cancer, there are some men who have heightened risk factors. Men at greater risk include:

Men who have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer. This risk is higher if your relative had prostate cancer at an early age, or if you have more than one relative who has had prostate cancer.[7]

Men of African descent are at higher risk of prostate cancer than men of European or Asian descent.[8][9]

Older men. The risk of getting prostate cancer increases rapidly after the age of 50.[10] Over half of new diagnoses of prostate cancer affect men over the age of 70.[11]

While a diet high in animal fats and low in fruit, vegetables, and fish has some association with prostate cancer,[13][14] so far there is no conclusive evidence about environmental and lifestyle factors.[15] Obesity increases your chances of dying from prostate cancer if diagnosed.[16] Even without the certainty of dietary links, for the sake of general good health, it is important to eat healthy.

3

Be aware that there may be no symptoms present. Many men with prostate cancer often have no symptoms at all. If symptoms do appear, watch for:

Note that the symptoms can also apply to other illnesses. The symptoms could also mean lesser illnesses such as an enlarged prostate (BPE or benign prostatic enlargement) or an infection of the prostate (prostatitis).

4

See your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed or if you're at risk. Given that there may be no symptoms present, if you fall within the risk factors, it is important to discuss screening and testing needs with your doctor. You should be able to get screening from your family doctor, especially where you're over 60, or have strong a family history of prostate cancer.[18] Be aware that the tests for prostate cancer are not 100 percent accurate and that some medical experts are not convinced of the need for testing. Indeed, there is a concern that diagnosis may result in unnecessary treatment that carries its own negative impacts on quality of life.[19] On the other hand, some men choose to have a test at ages 35–40, to establish a "baseline" PSA level for future comparison with tests as they age.[20] If you do choose screening after discussing all the consequences with your doctor, you may be subjected to the following tests:

The DRE or digital (finger) rectal exam. During this test, the doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum. The doctor feels the back portion of the prostate to inspect its size and to detect any peculiar or abnormally hard areas.

PSA test or "prostate-specific antigen" test. In this test, a small sample of blood is drawn from your arm. The doctor will inspect the blood to see if the PSA level is normal; prostate cancer can cause large amounts of PSA to end up in your bloodstream.[21] There is reliable evidence that PSA screening can catch early-stage prostate cancer.

Testing for and treatment of prostate cancer is less likely to be of benefit for older men, especially after the age of 75.[22]

The prognosis is good with early treatment,[23] although in some cases there may be no need for treatment if a detected prostate cancer has a slow growth pattern.[24] Your doctor will need to determine your needs depending on an analysis of your particular case; there are no one-size-fits-all treatment options.

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There is a new test which produces an accurate PSA result in 10 minutes called PSA Watch. It's a hand-held device into which blood samples can be inserted, and the device has a screen which displays the results 10 minutes later. You might want to ask your doctor if this test is available.

Screening is one way to determine if you need further testing for prostate cancer. Medical experts differ among themselves as to the necessity of screening. For this reason the choice to undergo these tests is a matter that should be discussed between you and your doctor.

Warnings

Some prostate cancers are a serious threat because they grow quickly, spreading to other parts of the body, and causing death.

Screening tests may lead to additional tests and treatment of a prostate cancer that may never cause complications - some treatments may have serious side effects, such as impotence and incontinence.